Exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

According to a first aspect there is disclosed herein a multiple use exercise apparatus ( 10 ) including an elongate main body ( 12 ) having two opposite ends ( 14, 16 ). At least one main body handle ( 34 ) secured in relation to the main body ( 12 ) between the ends ( 14, 16 ). The multiple use exercise apparatus ( 10 ) further includes respective weight components ( 18 ) adapted to be secured to the main body ( 12 ) at each of the two ends ( 14, 16 ) such that at least one of the weight components ( 18 ) is detachable from the main body ( 12 ).

FIELD

The invention relates to a multiple use exercise apparatus.

BACKGROUND

People engaging in exercise involving weight training and otheractivities such as those involving exercise rollers typically have touse different items of equipment for these purposes. This can give riseto inconvenience, excessive consumption of space, and undesirable cost,especially where such exercise is to be done in the home environment.

OBJECT

It is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate theabove disadvantages associated with weight training equipment or toprovide a useful alternative thereto.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is disclosedherein a multiple use exercise apparatus including:

an elongate main body having two opposite ends;

at least one main body handle secured in relation to the main bodybetween the ends; and

respective weight components adapted to be secured to the main body ateach of the two ends, such that at least one of the weight components isdetachable from the main body.

Preferably said at least one weight component includes at least oneweight component handle and preferably constitutes at least part of anexercise free-weight when so detached.

Preferably each of the weight components is detachable from the mainbody and includes at least one weight component handle so as toconstitute an exercise free-weight when so detached.

Then, preferably each of the weight components is adapted to constitutea kettlebell when so detached.

In another preferred embodiment, each of the weight components isadapted for attachment, thereto, of barbell disk weights.

Preferably the or each weight component is detachably connected to themain body by a detachable connector.

In a preferred embodiment, the or each detachable connector isconstituted by a resilient element on one of the main body andcorresponding weight component, and which is adapted to snap-engage acatch on the other of the main body and corresponding weight component.

Then, preferably, the or each resilient element includes a connectorprotrusion and the catch includes an aperture adapted to releasablyreceive the protrusion.

Preferably each weight component includes a said resilient element.

Preferably the or each connector includes a screw.

In a preferred embodiment, the main body is substantially cylindrical soas to be rollable if supported on a flat surface, so as to constitute anexercise roller.

Then, preferably, the main body has an outer main body radial surface,and said at least one main body handle is recessed with respect to themain body radial surface so as not to project radially outwards of themain body radial surface.

In a preferred embodiment, the main body includes a cylindrical core anda complementary outer sleeve adapted to be a snug fit on an exteriorradial surface of the core, such that an outer surface of the sleeveconstitutes said main body radial surface.

In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve includes at least one respectiveaperture adapted to be aligned with the or each main body handle whenthe sleeve is disposed as said snug fit on the cylindrical core.

In a preferred embodiment, the main body radial surface includes aplurality of juxtaposed ribs extending longitudinally with respect tothe main body, the ribs being disposed at least partially around thecircumference of the main body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described hereinafter, byway of examples only, with reference to the accompany drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of a multiple use exercise apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic first side view of the exercise apparatus of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic partly exploded second, opposite side view of theexercise apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a schematic end view of the exercise apparatus;

FIG. 5 is a schematic partly exploded view corresponding to FIG. 3, butwith an outer sleeve of the apparatus shown separately from the corethat it covers;

FIG. 6 is a schematic partly exploded view similar to that of FIG. 5 butof the first side;

FIG. 7 is a schematic fully exploded view of the apparatus;

FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of a grub screw of the apparatus;

FIG. 9 is schematic perspective view of a weight component of theembodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of a weight component according to adifferent embodiment to the embodiment of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of a weight component of FIG. 10rotated through 90 degrees;

FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of a main body of anotherembodiment multiple use exercise apparatus;

FIG. 13 is a schematic side view of the main body shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a schematic top view of the main body shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a schematic end view of the main body shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is a schematic exploded side view of the main body shown in FIG.12;

FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of a central body portion of themain body shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 18 is a schematic front view of a body panel of the central bodyportion of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a schematic rear view of a body panel of the central bodyportion of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is schematic perspective view of a main body handle of the mainbody shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 21 is a schematic perspective view of an end cap of the main bodyshown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 22 is a schematic side view of a weight component for use with themain body shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 23 is a schematic bottom view of the weight component shown in FIG.22;

FIG. 24 is a schematic side view of an alternative weight component foruse with the main body shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 25 is a schematic bottom view of the weight component shown in FIG.24;

FIG. 26 is a schematic exploded perspective view of the weight componentof FIG. 24 orientated to be located on an alternative end cap;

FIG. 27 is a schematic perspective view of the weight component of FIG.26 located inside the alternative end cap; and

FIG. 28 is a schematic perspective view of the weight component of FIG.27 having undergone rotational movement within the end cap so as to besecured therein.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, there is shown a multiple use exerciseapparatus 10. The apparatus 10 includes an elongate, cylindrical mainbody 12 having two opposite ends 14 and 16. Secured to the main body 12at each ends 14, 16, are respective weight components 18. The main body12 includes a cylindrical core 20 and an outer sleeve 22 of elastomericmaterial.

On one side of the core 20, between the ends 14, 16, there are providedtwo circular apertures 24, while on the opposite side of the core, thereare provided four circular apertures 26.

In each of the apertures 24, 26, there is disposed a respective handlecomponent 28, which includes a cup formation 30 defining a recess 32,with a main body handle 34 extending across the recess.

The sleeve 22 defines circular apertures 36 which are aligned with eachof the circular apertures 24, 26 of the core 20, when the core isdisposed within the sleeve, as described further below.

The sleeve 22 has an outer surface 38 which constitutes a radially outersurface of the main body 12. The outer surface 38 of the sleeve 22includes groups 40 of ribs 42, which extend longitudinally with respectto the cylindrical shape of the main body 12. The ribs 42 in each group40 are juxtaposed with respect to each other, while the groupsthemselves are spaced around the circumference of the cylindrical shapeof the main body 12 so as to be 90 degrees apart, from the centre ofeach group to the centre of the next group.

The core 20 defines a pair of apertures 44 adjacent to each of the ends14, 16 of the main body 12, while the sleeve 22 has apertures 46disposed to be aligned with the apertures 44 in the core, when the coreis disposed within the sleeve 22 as described further below.

Each weight component 18 includes a weight component body 48 and aweight component handle 50.

Each weight component body 48, in turn, includes a tab portion 48.1which is joined to the remainder of the weight component body at a baseend 48.2 of the tab portion, and separated by a gap from the remainderof the weight component body at the side edges 48.3 of the tab portion.As a result of this configuration, each tab portion 48.1 can be moved,by flexing relative to the remainder of the weight component body, aboutthe base end 48.2 as indicated by the arrow 48.4 in FIG. 7.

Protruding from each tab portion 48.1 is a circular platform 52. Eachcircular platform 52 has one side 52.1 which is chamfered, and defines athreaded screw hole 54.

In addition, each weight component 18 includes a collar 56 whichprojects slightly beyond the radially outer surface 58 of the respectiveweight component 48, so as to define a shoulder 60.

The weight component body 48 of each weight component 18 is dimensionedso as to be an easy sliding fit in a respective end of the core 20. Aseach weight component 18 is inserted into a respective end of the core20, chamfered side 52.1 of each circular platform 52 on each tab portion48.1 engages with the edge 20.1 of the core at that respective end.Because of the chamfered configuration, this engagement forces each tabportion inwards, towards an inner axis 48.5 of the relevant weightportion. This, in turn, allows the each circular platform 52 to passbeyond that edge 20.1 as each weight component 18 is inserted into therespective end of the core.

When the circular platforms 52 of each weight component 18 reach andcome into alignment with the apertures 44 near the respective end of thecore, the circular platforms can snap into place in the apertures. Inthis manner, the weight components 18 are locked in place with respectto the core 20.

The shoulders 60 act as stops to limit the extent of insertion of theweight component bodies 48 into the core 20.

The relative dimensions between the core 20 and sleeve 22 are such thatthe sleeve can be slid into the core so as to be a snug fit thereon. Inthis position of the sleeve 22, the apertures 36 and 46 of the sleeveare aligned with the corresponding apertures 24, 26, 44 and core 20.

In the assembled apparatus 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the handlecomponents 28 are located in respective apertures 24 in the core 20,with studs 64 of the handle components being received in holes 66 in thecore (see FIG. 7). The formation of the studs 64 and holes 66 is suchthat when the handle components 28 are inserted in the apertures 24, thehandle components are essentially non-removable.

The apertures 36 of the sleeve 22 provide access to the main bodyhandles 34.

Further, when the apparatus 10 is in its assembled condition as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the weight components 18 are disposed so that the weightcomponent bodies 40 are inserted in the ends of the core 20, asdescribed above.

Grub screws 68 are provided for preventing removal of the weightcomponents 18 from the core 20, and hence from the sleeve 22, bypreventing the tab portions 48.1 from being manually pressed inwardstowards the axis 62 of the core 20. The grub screws 68 are accommodatedin the screw holes 54, with the screw thread of the grub screws beingcomplementary to the screw thread of the corresponding screw hole. Withthe grub screws 68 removed, each tab portion 48.1 is free to be pressedinwards towards the axis 62 of the core 20, so that the circularplatforms 52 are clear of the apertures 44 and therefore so that theweight components 18 can be removed from the core 20.

It will be noted that as a result of the apertures 46 in the sleeve 22,the head 70 of each grub screw 68 is accessible from outside the sleeve.Each head 70 is provided with a slot 72 for accommodating a suitabletool for screwing the grub screws 68 into and out of the relevant screwholes 54. Similarly, when the grub screws 68 are removed, the circularplatforms 52 are also accessible from outside the sleeve 22 via theapertures 46, and can be pressed inwards for releasing the weightcomponents 18.

The apparatus 10, when in its assembled position, constitutes a multipleuse exercise apparatus.

For one such use, the apparatus 10 constitutes a free weight that can belifted by a user holding the main body handles 34, in a similar fashionto that in which the user might lift barbells.

In this regard, the four main body handles 34 provided at one side ofthe apparatus 10 as shown in FIG. 3 provide different positions at whicha user may hold the apparatus by gripping the relevant main bodyhandles. While the main body handles 34 at that side of the apparatus 10are angled substantially perpendicularly to the axis 62, the main bodyhandles on the opposite side of the apparatus, as shown in FIG. 2, arepositioned so as to be at acute angles relative to the direction inwhich the axis 62 extends. This provides for greater versatility, as itallows the user to position his or her hands differently than if theuser were holding the main body handles 34 on the first-mentioned sideof the apparatus 10.

The primary weight of the assembled apparatus 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 and2 is provided by the weight component body 48 of each of the weightcomponents 18.

Each weight component 18 can be removed from the remainder of theapparatus 10, by unscrewing the grub screws 68 using a suitable tool(not shown) such as a screwdriver, or even a coin. Once the grub screws68 are removed, the weight components 18 can be withdrawn from the endsof the core 20 as shown, for example, in FIG. 3.

Once each weight component 18 has been removed from the remainder of theapparatus 10, it can be used by a user as a kettlebell weight by meansof the user holding the weight component handle 50. When the user hasfinished using one or both of the weight components 18 in this manner,the user can reassemble the weight components with the remainder of theapparatus 10, by inserting the weight component bodies 48 in therespective ends of the core 20, and reapplying the grub screws 68.

When the apparatus 10 is in its assembled condition as shown in FIGS. 1and 2, neither the grub screws 68 nor any part of the handle components28, including the main body handles 34, protrude beyond the outersurfaces 38 of the sleeve 22. Therefore, the assembled apparatus 10,because of its cylindrical shape, is free to roll along a flat surface.This enables the apparatus 10 to be used as, and to constitute, anexercise roller allowing the user to engage in exercise activityinvolving the user placing part of his or her body on the outer surface38 of the sleeve 22, and causing the apparatus 10 to roll along a floorsurface in the conventional manner of using an exercise roller.

The ribs 42 can serve to facilitate frictional engagement between theuser's body and the apparatus 10.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, there is shown a weight component 80 of adifferent type to the above-mentioned weight components 18. Each weightcomponent 80 has a straight cylindrical portion 82 instead of a weightcomponent handle 50. Except where otherwise mentioned, features of theseweight components 80 corresponding to the above-mentioned weightcomponents 18 are designated by the same reference numerals as used forthose above weight components.

The cylindrical portions 82 are adapted for attachment of conventionalweights (not shown) as would be used in conventional barbells. Suchweights can be placed onto the cylindrical portions 82 and secured inplaced in the normal manner as would be understood by those skilled inthe art of ordinary barbell users. For example, the weights may be heldin place by normal spring clip collars (not shown).

FIGS. 12 to 16 show an alternative main body, generally indicated withthe reference numeral 100, for use in another embodiment multiple useexercise apparatus. The main body 100 comprises a central body portion102 having two cylindrical end caps 104. As shown in FIG. 16, thecentral body portion 102 has recessed end portions 106 at its ends 108.The end caps 104 are sized to be slid onto the end portions 106. The endcaps 104 have holes 110 which can be placed in register with holes 112in the ends 108, shown in FIG. 17, of the central body portion 102. Withthe holes 110 and 112 in register the central body portion 102 and theend caps 104 are secured with suitable fasteners.

Referring to FIGS. 17 to 19, the central body portion 102 comprises twoidentical body panels 114 which are attached to one another. The bodypanels 114 each include two body panel openings 116 which are configuredto be placed in register with the body panel openings 116 of theopposing body panel 114 so as to define two apertures 118. The apertures118 are sized to receive main body handles 120, as shown in FIG. 12. Tosecure the body panels 114 to one another a plurality a fastening holes122 are provided. The fastening holes 122 of the two body panels 114 areconfigured so as to be placed in register and then secured with suitablefasteners. Adhesive may also be employed to ensure attachment.

A main body handle 120 is shown in FIG. 20. The main body handle 120 isadapted to be pivotally secured within the apertures 118 of the centralbody portion 102 so as to provide for multiple orientations of use.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of one of the end caps 104. The end cap104 includes a first guide formation 124 operatively associated with asecond guide formation 126 on a weight component 128, shown in FIG. 22.The weight component 128 is sized to be slidingly received within theend cap 104. In this embodiment the first guide formation 124 comprisestwo protrusions while the second guide formation 126 comprises a recesssized for slidingly receiving the two protrusions. To slide the weightcomponent 128 into the end cap 104, a user aligns the first and secondguide formations 124 and 126 and then slides the weight component 128into the end cap 104. Once the weight component 128 has been located inposition within the end cap 104, two biased locking members 130, of theweight component 128 will snap-engage corresponding end cap holes 132 inthe end cap 104. In this configuration the weight component 128 issecured within the end cap 104. In this embodiment the locking members130 are biased with the use of two helical springs 134. To remove theweight component 128 a user applies a compressive force to the lockingmembers 130 so that they become depressed and are not obstructed by thecap holes 132. The weight component 128 is hereafter slid from the endcap 104.

FIG. 24 and FIG. 25 show an alternative weight component 140. The weightcomponent 140 is different from the weight component 128 in that asingle biased locking member 142 is provided. The locking member 142 isbiased with the use of a helical spring 144.

Referring to FIGS. 26 to 28, the weight component 140 is to be securedto an end cap 146. The end cap 146 includes a first guide formation 148,here in the form of two pairs of protrusions which are adapted to beslidingly engaged in a corresponding slot 150 providing a second guidingformation on the weight component 140. To locate the weight component140 within the end cap 146, the first and second guide formations 148,150 are aligned whereafter the weight component 140 is slid into the endcap 104. To secure the weight component 140 within the end cap 104, theweight component 140 is rotated by the user until the biased lockingmember 142 snap-engages an end cap hole 152. Rotation of the weightcomponent 140 is enabled by the second guide formation including atransverse slot 154 through which the protrusions of the first guideformation 148 pass during rotation.

Although the invention is described above in relation to preferredembodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that itis not limited to those embodiments, but may be embodied in many otherforms.

1. A multiple use exercise apparatus including: an elongate main bodyhaving two opposite ends; at least one main body handle secured inrelation to the main body between the ends; and respective weightcomponents adapted to be secured to the main body at each of the twoends, such that at least one of the weight components is detachable fromthe main body.
 2. A multiple use exercise apparatus according to claim1, wherein the at least one weight component includes at least oneweight component handle.
 3. A multiple use exercise apparatus accordingto claim 2, wherein the at least one weight component constitutes atleast part of an exercise free-weight when so detached.
 4. A multipleuse exercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the weightcomponents is detachable from the main body and includes at least oneweight component handle so as to constitute an exercise free-weight whenso detached.
 5. A multiple use exercise apparatus according to claim 4,wherein each of the weight components is adapted to constitute akettlebell when so detached.
 6. A multiple use exercise apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein each of the weight components is adaptedfor attachment, thereto, of barbell disk weights.
 7. A multiple useexercise apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the or each weightcomponent is detachably connected to the main body by a detachableconnector.
 8. A multiple use exercise apparatus according to claim 7,wherein the or each detachable connector is constituted by a resilientelement on one of the main body and corresponding weight component, andwhich is adopted to snap-engage a catch on the other of the main bodyand corresponding weight component.
 9. A multiple use exercise apparatusaccording to claim 8, wherein the or each resilient element includes aconnector protrusion and the catch includes an aperture adapted toreleasably receive the protrusion.
 10. A multiple use exercise apparatusaccording to claim 9, wherein each weight component includes a saidresilient element.
 11. A multiple use exercise apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the main body is substantially cylindrical so as to berollable if supported on a flat surface, so as to constitute an exerciseroller.
 12. A multiple use exercise apparatus according to claim 11,wherein the main body has an outer main body radial surface, and said atleast one main body handle is recessed with respect to the main bodyradial surface so as not to project radially outwards of the main bodyradial surface.
 13. A multiple use exercise apparatus according to claim1, wherein the main body includes a cylindrical core and a complementaryouter sleeve adapted to be a snug fit on an exterior radial surface ofthe core, such that an outer surface of the sleeve constitutes said mainbody radial surface.
 14. A multiple use exercise apparatus according toclaim 13, wherein the sleeve includes at least one respective apertureadapted to be aligned with the or each main body handle when the sleeveis disposed as said snug fit on the cylindrical core.
 15. A multiple useexercise apparatus according to claim 12, the main body radial surfaceincludes a plurality of juxtaposed ribs extending longitudinally withthe respect to the main body, the ribs being disposed at least partiallyaround the circumference of the main body.